If you’ve been binge-watching Tracker on CBS, you already know that Colter Shaw isn't exactly a "people person." He’s a lone wolf, a reward seeker who lives in an Airstream and tracks down missing people for a living. But even a guy like Colter needs a lifeline. That lifeline is usually a voice in his ear coming from a high-tech office miles away.
So, who plays Bobby on Tracker?
The actor behind the keyboard is Eric Graise. He plays Bobby Exley, the brilliant, wisecracking tech expert and hacker who serves as Colter’s "man in the chair." If Colter needs a burner phone tracked or a high-security gate opened from three states away, Bobby is the one making it happen. Honestly, the chemistry between Justin Hartley and Eric Graise is one of the best parts of the show.
Who is Eric Graise?
Eric Graise isn't just some actor the producers found in a casting call for "Tech Guy #4." He’s a powerhouse. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Graise has been breaking barriers in Hollywood for years. He is a double-leg amputee, a fact the show doesn't hide, but also doesn't make the character's entire personality.
Initially, the role of Bobby Exley was written differently. The creators had envisioned a more "buttoned-up," posh type of character. Then they met Eric.
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In an interview with Ebony, Graise mentioned how the writers actually shifted the character's vibe to match his real-life personality. Instead of a rigid suit-and-tie hacker, we got the charismatic, laid-back Bobby we see on screen. It’s that authenticity that makes the character feel like a real person rather than a plot device.
Where have you seen him before?
Before he was hacking mainframes on Tracker, Graise was already making a name for himself. You might recognize him from:
- Step Up: High Water: He played "King," a role that allowed him to showcase his skills as a singer and dancer.
- Locke & Key: He had a recurring role as Logan Calloway in the Netflix hit.
- Teenage Bounty Hunters: Another Netflix appearance where he played a recurring character named Ezequiel.
- Queer as Folk: He appeared in the 2022 reboot, further solidifying his presence in major TV dramas.
He also had a role in the Chris Pratt sci-fi flick The Tomorrow War. The guy stays busy.
What happened to Bobby in Season 2?
If you were watching Season 2 and suddenly realized Bobby was missing for a stretch of episodes, you weren't alone. The internet basically went into a tailspin. Fans were worried he’d been written off the show entirely, especially after Robin Weigert (who played Teddi Bruin) exited the series.
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During his absence, the show introduced Randy, played by Chris Lee. Randy is Bobby’s cousin, brought in to cover the tech duties while Bobby was away "dealing with some family stuff."
Why the temporary exit?
In the world of network television, actors sometimes have scheduling conflicts or personal matters that require a few weeks off. On-screen, the show explained Bobby's absence by saying he was attending a friend's funeral and taking some personal time to process the loss. It added a layer of depth to Bobby—reminding us that while he’s a tech wizard, he’s also a human being with a life outside of Colter’s missions.
The good news? Bobby did return. While Randy was a fun addition and brought a different energy, most fans were relieved to see Eric Graise back in his usual chair.
Representation that actually feels real
One of the coolest things about Bobby Exley is how Tracker handles his disability. It’s just there. He uses prosthetic legs, he moves around his office, and he gets the job done.
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There was a poignant moment in an episode titled "Chicago" where Bobby wanted to go into the field to help save a friend. Colter tried to tell him to stay back, saying he needed to move "light and fast." You could see the flash of hurt in Bobby's eyes—the suggestion that he might be a liability.
But here’s the kicker: Bobby didn't listen. He went in anyway and ended up saving Colter. It was a perfect subversion of the "disabled character needs saving" trope. Instead, Bobby proved he’s just as capable in the field as he is behind a monitor.
The future of Bobby Exley on Tracker
As the series moves forward into 2026 and beyond, Bobby remains a pillar of Colter's team. While the cast has seen some shakeups—like the departure of Abby McEnany’s character Velma heading into Season 3—the core dynamic between the "tracker" and his "hacker" is too vital to lose.
If you’re looking to follow Eric Graise outside of the show, he’s active on social media under the handle @easygreazy. He’s also a huge advocate for performers with disabilities, often speaking about the need for authentic representation in the arts. He even spoke on a White House panel for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you're looking to catch up on Bobby's best moments, go back and re-watch Season 1, Episode 8 ("Chicago"). It’s the definitive Bobby Exley episode that goes beyond the "tech support" trope and shows exactly why Eric Graise was the perfect choice for this role. You can stream all episodes of Tracker on Paramount+.